Specialized software is often too expensive and too complicated for small- and medium-sized LTC facilities. So these providers are increasingly turning to Web-based providers that offer software as a service (SaaS).

Formerly called an ASP, an SaaS is a software application delivery model that works like this: a software vendor develops a Web-based software application and hosts and operates the application over the Internet.

The SaaS maintains up-to-date services, 24/7 technical support, physical and electronic security, and built-in support for business continuity and flexible working hours.

BENEFITS

Customers using SaaS then benefit from time savings, cost savings and faster updates and enhancements.

Time savings. With traditional software systems, it can take up to 18 months to implement in-house licensed software applications. With an SaaS, a facility can get up and running in one to three months. This is particularly advantageous for facilities that need to get set up quickly.

Cost savings. When you subscribe to an SaaS application, you pay a monthly or annual subscription fee. The subscription payment structure typically works to the advantage of small to mid-sized organizations because an ongoing monthly expense might be easier to incorporate into a budget than a large one-time outlay. Subscribers can cancel or change their subscription at any time without losing a large initial investment.

Subscribing to an SaaS application also eliminates the overhead associated with conventional software. A typical software implementation involves purchasing and maintaining servers, housing them securely, and installing and maintaining the software. This requires the time and effort of experienced IT personnel, which could be costly to your organization. Because subscribers share the servers and databases with an SaaS, the system is more scalable and has lower costs.

Faster updates and enhancements. When a new government regulation is published, it is available to the SaaS subscribers immediately. Users don't have to wait to install software updates.

SaaS also enhances functionality in many areas, including admissions, billing and clinical documentation. For example, automatic updates alleviate the nursing staff's burden of documenting the new regulations in the medical record by hand. 

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Purchasing a traditional licensed software system is an individual affair. When you subscribe to an SaaS application, however, you become a member of a community that has the application at the center.

An SaaS changes the relationship between software vendors and customers. SaaS vendors are constantly monitoring how their customers are using the applications. Awareness of how customers are using an application presents the vendor with a constant supply of metrics it can't ignore. Typically, this awareness translates into improved usability, performance and functionality of the SaaS.

In addition, technical support professionals can look at your implementation to see exactly what's happening without having to travel to your facility, so you're likely to experience faster and better service.

Customers can also easily compare and benchmark themselves against their peers. The government is monitoring and benchmarking LTC facility outcomes, so it is advantageous to complete these assessments first yourself. Further, SaaS customer user communities are an excellent source of best practice tips.

If you want to reduce costs and streamline IT operations, subscribing to a SaaS may be just what you're looking for.

Karen Merk is a clinical consultant and Kevin Robbins is vice president of electronic products development at Briggs Corp., West Des Moines, Iowa. Ted Kruzan is CEO of ImageTek Inc., Grimes, Iowa. Disclosure: Briggs. is an information technology company serving the long-term care industry.